Group B streptococcal infection

Most common cause of early, severe infection in newborns.

Also a cause of infection in pregnancy, people with diabetes, immunocompromised people, and older adults.

Presentation depends on the age of the patient and the underlying risk factor.

Diagnosis is confirmed by isolation of group B streptococci (GBS) from usually sterile body fluid.

Targeted antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of therapy in patients with demonstrated GBS infection.

Incidence and mortality are highest in older people.

Group B streptococci (GBS), also known as Streptococcus agalactiae, are gram-positive bacteria that normally colonize the gastrointestinal tract, perineum, and vagina. They can cause invasive infections at any age, but infections are most common in the neonatal period, in older people, and in adults with predisposing factors (i.e., pregnancy, diabetes, immunocompromised). GBS can cause a range of infections including sepsis, cellulitis, pneumonia, and meningitis. This monograph deals with confirmed group B streptococcal infection only.